Job description

Responsibilities **This position is for upcoming work and is contingent upon task award/funding. ** This will be an onsite position at Noblis HQ in Reston, VA. We are seeking a highly experienced Data Scientist – Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support a dynamic government contracting program focused on advanced sensing, autonomous systems, and artificial intelligence. Operating at the intersection of cross-domain intelligence, remote sensing, and AI/ML development, the ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise and a proven track record of delivering high-impact analytical solutions in complex, mission-driven environments. This role demands a self-directed leader capable of guiding technical strategy, driving innovation, and delivering rigorous analytical outputs to senior government stakeholders. Key Responsibilities • Design, develop, and execute AI/ML validation and testing frameworks to assess model performance, robustness, and operational reliability across cross-domain remote sensing applications • Lead data curation and feature engineering pipelines, transforming raw multi-source sensor data into high-quality, mission-ready datasets optimized for machine learning workflows • Conduct AI/ML adversarial attack research and optimization, identifying system vulnerabilities and developing countermeasures to harden models against adversarial exploitation • Apply advanced AI/ML techniques to support enhanced characterization of sensor systems, improving detection, classification, and identification capabilities across operational domains • Develop and contribute to analysis tools and software supporting intelligence workflows, sensor data exploitation, and decision-support applications • Perform rigorous uncertainty analysis on AI/ML model outputs, quantifying confidence levels and communicating risk to technical and non-technical government stakeholders • Provide SME-level technical guidance on autonomous systems integration, advising on AI architecture, algorithm selection, and system-level performance evaluation Required Qualifications Master's degree or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related technical field • 10+ years of experience in data science or machine learning, with demonstrated expertise supporting U.S. government or defense/intelligence community programs • Proven hands-on experience with AI/ML model validation, testing, and adversarial robustness methodologies in operational or near-operational environments • Strong proficiency in Python, R, or equivalent languages, with experience using ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn • Demonstrated experience with remote sensing data types (e.g., EO/IR, SAR, multi/hyperspectral) and associated exploitation techniques • Practical knowledge of uncertainty quantification methods and statistical analysis applied to sensor or intelligence data • US Citizen with an Active Top Secret / SCI security clearance Desired Qualifications • Preferred experience with rapid capability development and acquisition, relevant military operations, or technology transition from R&D to fielding. Overview Overview Noblis and our wholly owned subsidiaries, Noblis ESI and Noblis MSD, take on some of the nation’s toughest challenges, delivering advanced solutions to our customers’ most critical missions. We bring together leading scientific, engineering, and management expertise in a culture grounded in objectivity and collaboration, ensuring our work creates lasting impact across federal missions. We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org Why Work at Noblis At Noblis, we share a passion for excellence and innovation, and we create an environment where people can do meaningful work while maintaining the balance that keeps them energized and fulfilled. We seek out individuals with a natural curiosity and desire to collaborate and learn. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we consistently seek exceptionally skilled, mission‑driven professionals who care deeply about doing work that enriches lives and makes our nation safer. Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well‑being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug‑free workplace. Remote/hybrid status is subject to change based on Noblis and/or government requirements. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, age, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, pregnancy/childbirth and related medical conditions, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us . EEO is the Law | E-Verify | Right to Work Total Rewards At Noblis we recognize and reward your contributions, provide you with growth opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, and work-life programs. Our award programs acknowledge employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our service standards. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in our benefit programs. Other offerings may be provided for employees not within this category. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Benefits page on our Careers site. Compensation at Noblis is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements and applicable employment laws. The projected compensation range for this position is based on full time status. For part time or on-call staff, compensation is proportionately adjusted based on hours worked. While monetary compensation is important, it's just one component of Noblis’ total compensation package. Posted Salary Range USD $176,800.00 - USD $276,250.00 /Yr.

Requirements

Must-haves

This position is for upcoming work and is contingent upon task award/funding.
This will be an onsite position at Noblis HQ in Reston, VA.
Design, develop, and execute AI/ML validation and testing frameworks to assess model performance, robustness, and operational reliability across cross-domain remote sensing applications
Lead data curation and feature engineering pipelines, transforming raw multi-source sensor data into high-quality, mission-ready datasets optimized for machine learning workflows
Conduct AI/ML adversarial attack research and optimization, identifying system vulnerabilities and developing countermeasures to harden models against adversarial exploitation
Apply advanced AI/ML techniques to support enhanced characterization of sensor systems, improving detection, classification, and identification capabilities across operational domains
Develop and contribute to analysis tools and software supporting intelligence workflows, sensor data exploitation, and decision-support applications
Perform rigorous uncertainty analysis on AI/ML model outputs, quantifying confidence levels and communicating risk to technical and non-technical government stakeholders
Provide SME-level technical guidance on autonomous systems integration, advising on AI architecture, algorithm selection, and system-level performance evaluation
Master's degree or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related technical field
10+ years of experience in data science or machine learning, with demonstrated expertise supporting U.S. government or defense/intelligence community programs
Proven hands-on experience with AI/ML model validation, testing, and adversarial robustness methodologies in operational or near-operational environments
Strong proficiency in Python, R, or equivalent languages, with experience using ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn
Demonstrated experience with remote sensing data types (e.g., EO/IR, SAR, multi/hyperspectral) and associated exploitation techniques
Practical knowledge of uncertainty quantification methods and statistical analysis applied to sensor or intelligence data
US Citizen with an Active Top Secret / SCI security clearance
We work with a broad range of government agencies in the defense, intelligence, and federal civilian sectors. Learn more and find opportunities at careers.noblis.org
Why Work at Noblis
Noblis has earned numerous workplace awards for our culture, our commitment to employee well‑being, and our dedication to meaningful, impactful work. We also maintain a drug‑free workplace.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination
If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact us .
EEO is the Law | E-Verify | Right to Work

Nice-to-haves

Preferred experience with rapid capability development and acquisition, relevant military operations, or technology transition from R&D to fielding.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Keywords to mirror

aimlmachine learningpython

Platform: jibe
Effort: medium

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

Professional Development